Happy Birthday, Keaton!

It was Keaton's 30th birthday on New Year's Eve! I can't believe how fast we are getting older because I met him when he was only 21! Well, we celebrated how we have been since 2009 - Benihana! Now now, I know some of you food snobs are rolling your eyes because it is a chain restaurant blah blah blah. Whatever, mofo. Sometimes, the overall experience is better than any frou frou gourmet dinner. It is all about who you are with celebrating with, right?



Our first time celebrating at Benihana was in 2009. Oh gosh, see how young we looked. Technically, we were lured in because of The Chef's Table birthday promo. If it is your birthday, they comp the birthday celebrant's dinner. They send an email at the beginning of the month, so you have the full month to redeem your dinner.

Truth be told, I like the food here. It is both the entertainment and the food that keeps me coming back. I mean, it's totally a bargain for all the food you get. Note: No, I'm not endorsing this place. I genuinely like the place. It's fun! Gotta love the Coca-Cola in the hibachi rice!



We were so greedy in 2010! Keaton and I went by ourselves first and then later on in December, we were joined by our family!

For our family dinner, we went to the location in Burlingame. It is really nice there because it is right on the water. We occupied two tables which was cool because our chefs were interacting with other. Yes, that chef was blindfolded. Fun!



This birthday in 2011, we celebrated with our kapaMEALya Fam as well as a couple who was seated with us! We make friends everywhere! Beforehand we had a little picture whoring fun at a little photo place in Japantown Center and afterwards we headed to Playground just down the street for lychee soju shots! The only thing I am going to complain about this year is that they did not send the birthday emails. The waitress asked for it when we were seated, but she did not quite understand that I told her we never received it. She explained how the promo worked (a process I obviously knew), but oh well. I let it go. If corporate was not sending them this year, they should have informed each branch. Just saying. Anywho, let's just see if they do it next year. No biggie.

Keaton, I hope you had a great birthday this year! Actually the whole month of December was pretty extraordinary. I'm blessed to have you.

So next year, same time, same place. I'm taking RSVPs now! Thank you to everyone who has celebrated with us over the last few years!

xoxo,
Jo

PS: We JUST received the Benihana birthday certificate today. 4 days late, but it will work!